Exploring Kainuu – A quiet and peaceful destination with many stories unfolding
The trip begins next week! We will discover Kajaani and Kuhmo. Our goal is to learn more of their literary tourism. A good literature example is Kalevala, the Finnish national epic. I can’t wait to know more! The Spot-lit project and the study unit will definitely raise my knowledge.
In this post, I will further introduce the destinations and places we might visit. And there are also some facts, that you might not have known before!
Kuhmo, where the Kalevala expeditions ended
The following video shows the connection between Finnish epic Kalevala and the Wild Taiga in Kuhmo. Wild Taiga refers to the untouched nature and recreation that Kuhmo can surely offer. Culture is also an important part of Kuhmo’s tourism. For example, Elias Lönnrot’s expeditions of collecting material for Kalevala ended in Kuhmo.
Juminkeko is a national and international information centre in Kuhmo. Firstly, Juminkeko cherishes Viena Karelian culture. Secondly, it is a place where the spirit of Kalevala is present. Juminkeko offers exhibitions and a lot of information on Kalevala. I am very keen to know more!
Facts of Kuhmo and its literary tourism:
- In (2019), Kuhmo received UNESCO Creative Cities Network status of “City of Literature.
- The population of Kuhmo is 8,700 inhabitants
- Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival is the fifth largest music festival in Finland!
Kajaani, where the Kalevala poet was born
Elias Lönnrot managed to do a lot in his life. He was mainly a poet. However, he also worked as a district and castle physician. Elias Lönnrot’s statue is located in Kajaani too. Moreover, he used to live in the same house as Eino Leino was born. The Hövelö House is located in Paltaniemi, Kajaani.
The house opened to the public on Eino Leino’s 100th anniversary in 1978. For example, the house shows the colourful life and broad literary work of Eino Leino. Elias Lönnrot’s exhibition is located in the house as well.
Facts of Kajaani and its literary tourism:
- Elias Lönnrot Centre was opened in the Kajaani Townhall in 2007 in respect to the heritage of Elias Lönnrot and Eino Leino
- The population of Kajaani is approximately 36,000
- Pietari Brahe established the city of Kajaani in the year 1651 and Kajaani celebrates its 370th anniversary
We will gain great experiences from these places and authors’, however, we will stay in two nice hotels as well. The hotels are called Hotel Kalevala and Hotel Karolineburg. Both of them hotels connect to these literary traditions.
Next time I will share the experiences from the trip. Follow the journey with me!